Adult Blog

The King of the Friend Zone by Sheralyn Pratt Esme Taylor has an amazing fiancé, a lifelong best friend, and a problem. The problem stems from the fact that her best friend is named Hunter and, well. . .he’s kind of (totally) hot. It’s hate at first sight when her fiancé, Jon, and Hunter meet. Jon’s convinced that Hunter is in love with Esme, and that Hunter must be out of the picture if their upcoming marriage is to succeed. Esme thinks Jon is paranoid. The truth is, Jon’s not that far off. Hunter is in love with his best friend and always has been. What Jon has wrong, however, is that Hunter never had any plans of ruining Esme’s happily ever after. Hunter wants what’s best for Esme, even if that’s not him. When Jon pushes hard to end Esme and Hunter’s friendship, opposition comes from the most unlikely of places. It’s an eccentric lady with a cookie cart who suggests a different solution to Esme’s problem: Hunter and Esme should give each other a chance. They’ve both thought of the possibility over the years—of course they have. But with a ring already on Esme’s finger and a heap of hurt feelings and broken trust in the mix, there hasn’t been a worse time to explore the depths of their feelings for each other. Both Esme and Hunter think it’s time to move on and leave childhood crushes in the past. The question is: Can one woman and the taste of one cookie change their minds? Excerpt While everyone around Hunter ate and drank, Hunter swirled the liquid in his glass and watched his friends and family interact with Jon. The man was suave when he wanted to be; Hunter would give him that. He wore the right suits, said the right words, and charmed the right people. What a hero. He was also several inches shorter than Hunter, which meant Esme fit neatly against his shoulder as they stood and spoke with all their guests. Esme looked so content as she reclined against Jon, and Hunter wasn’t the only one who had noticed. The last person who had commented on Jon and Esme within Hunter’s earshot had called them “two peas in a pod” as if there were awards to be won in the category. Well, there weren’t. In that moment, Hunter was very glad he hadn’t been drinking that night, because otherwise he might have gone so far as announcing that fact to everyone. There are no awards for being two peas in a pod, everyone. Oh, and by the way, you should meet this guy when he isn’t trying to impress you. He’s a bit of a prick. But, of course, no one wanted to hear that. No one wanted to hear anything from Hunter tonight except for a glowing toast endorsing the golden couple. He still hadn’t written anything, although he had googled a generic speech and printed it out. It was in his pocket now, but he hadn’t practiced it and reading the prepackaged speech was pretty much out of the question now, thanks to his dyslexia. Reading on the best of days usually didn’t go that well for Hunter, but when he was seething mad? Yeah, that wasn’t happening. So he sat and swirled and watched and tried to imagine what in the world he could say that wouldn’t earn him more frowns than his jeans had already earned him. Then it hit him: Why try? Why not be honest? There wasn’t a face at this party that he hadn’t known for the better part of twenty years—well, except Jon. His smug mug was as new as it was unwelcome in Hunter’s book. But everyone knew Hunter and they’d know if he vomited some fake, glowing speech their direction. So why should he? Why not be honest? The idea grew on Hunter as the night went on and the praise for Jon became more and more abundant. The clincher was when Jon’s best man stood up and gave a speech that proved he’d probably met Esme all of once, and everyone in attendance nodded and beamed as the guy praised Esme in the most generic of terms. According to whatever the best man’s name was, Esme was kind and compassionate and a joy to all those who met her. Seriously? The guy had clearly never been within earshot of Esme when an ice cream truck passed in July playing Christmas music. That would redefine the guy’s definition of “joy to all those around her.” Yet everyone ooohed and ahhhhed and clapped until the guy sat and Jon gave his bestie an appreciative slap on the back with a look that said, Well done. Then everyone in the future wedding party looked at Hunter expectantly. It was his turn. In that moment, Hunter had a choice to make. He could either repeat the same lame puffery the best man had, or he could give the speech that had been building up in him like a sneeze all night. Be nice now and freak out later, or let it all hang out? That was the question. And one quick glance at Jon’s arrogant face gave Hunter his answer. Author Sheralyn Pratt

Some describe Sheralyn as a girl who's been around the block and worked at every shop. This isn't far from the truth. Writing is what she loves most, however. There's a magical power in stepping into new perspectives time and again, and seeing the world through different eyes. Few things increase empathy more than walking in another's shoes for 100,000 words or so. At least that seems to be the trend so far.

Some random things to know about Sheralyn: * She's a wanderer (geographically) * She can write a novel, but doesn't have the attention span for one page in a journal * She vehemently disagrees with Stephen King's stance that authors should not watch TV * She is pretty much incapable of sleeping before midnight

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 9/23/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

She is offering her book at a discount price right now too - you can pick it up for $0.99!

And, for a short time, she is offering a$25gift card for posting a review!!

See below for the giveaway options

Lucinda Whitney was born and raised in Portugal, where she received a masterâs degree from the University of Minho in Braga in Portuguese/English teaching. She lives in northern Utah. When sheâs not reading and writing, she can be found with a pair of knitting needles in winter, or tending her herb garden in the summer. She also works part-time as a substitute teacher.

When Isabel Antunes is hit by a man on a bike, she doesnât expect to see him again. But on Monday at work, she learns her boss just hired him. Despite the guyâs repeated assurances to the contrary, she feels heâs a threat to her position of director, and she wonât hand it over without a fight. As if thatâs not enough, heâs a member of the same church she joined a few months ago and she canât get away from him on the weekends either.

Simon Ackerley is in Lisbon, Portugal, as a consultant for an English-only private academy. He doesnât speak any Portuguese but heâs enjoying the city and his new job, despite a co-worker whoâs bent on treating him as the enemy.

But when he discovers a clue to her identity, Simon realizes there is so much more at stake than just a pleasant working environment. If only he could tell her the reason why heâs come, heâs sure Isabel would treat him differently. But he knows sheâs not ready for the truth.

About the Book

Lady Georgina Hawthorne has worked tirelessly to seal her place as the Incomparable for her debut season. At her first London ball, she hopes to snag the attention of an earl. With money and business connections, but without impeccable bloodlines, Colin McCrae is invited everywhere but accepted nowhere. When he first encounters the fashionable Lady Georgina, he's irritated by his attraction to a woman who concerns herself only with status and appearance. What Colin doesn't know is that Georgina's desperate social aspirations are driven by the shameful secret she harbors. Association with Colin McCrae is not part of Georgina's plan, but as their paths continue to cross, they both must decide if the realization of their dreams is worth the sacrifices they must make.

About the Author

Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is an RWA Golden Heart contest winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She is a founding member and the coordinator of the Regency Reflections blog and lives with her husband and three children in Georgia.

Review

​Can I just say I love this story!! Regency is one of my all-time favorite genres and Kristi Ann Hunter’s stories are absolutely fantastic! An Elegant Façade, book two in the Hawthorne House Series is an absolute delight. This story is of Lady Georgina Hawthorne. Readers will fall in love with Georgina as they come to know her and better understand her in this novel. This story is fun in that the timeline crosses over a bit with book one, A Nobel Masquerade. Filled with entertainment, excitement, and of course romance, Kristi has written a story that readers will absolutely love and not want to put down. I would recommend this book to readers that enjoy historical, regency, romance in their novels. ​Series: Hawthorne HouseGenre: historical, regency, romance, ChristianPublisher: Bethany HousePublication date: July 5, 2016Number of pages: 368

Content Rating: PGBook Rating: 5 stars

Other books in the series:1-A Noble Masquerade0.5-A Lady of Esteem3-An Uncommon Courtship (coming January 2017)

The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachael Anderson Who is he really? A high and mighty lord or a lowly servant? When Colin Cavendish, the new earl of Drayson, informs Lucy Beresford that she and her mother need to vacate the house they've called home for the past two years, Lucy is fit to be tied. They have no money, no relations they can turn to for help, and nowhere to go. How dare the earl break the promise his father had made to the Beresfords without so much as a twinge of conscience? Fate plays her hand when Lucy discovers the earl unconscious and injured in the middle of the road. When he awakens with no recollection of who he is, Lucy seizes the opportunity to teach the earl a much-needed lesson in humility and tells him that he is nothing more than a mere servant. Her servant, in fact. And thus begins the charming tale of a pompous lord and an impetuous young woman, caught together in a web so tangled that it begs the question: Will they ever get out? Excerpt He stared at her incredulously, as though she had escaped Bedlam. “Are you in your right mind, woman?” Lucy leaned forward and planted her palms on his bed so that her eyes were level with his. “My name is Lucy Beresford. I have lived in Askern all my life. I’m the sole daughter of a vicar and a seamstress who lived most happily despite their differences in station. When my father passed away, I came here, to this dower house. So yes, I am in my right mind. It is you who are not.” The earl’s jaw clenched, and Lucy took some pleasure at the sight. Perhaps he would come down off his high horse and show at least a small amount of kindness or respect. “I may not know who I am or where I came from,” he finally said, “but at least I do not feel the need to tell tales.” “Tell tales?” Lucy gaped at him. Was he accusing her of telling untruths? Her, of all people? What untruths? How dare he! Lord Drayson glanced down at his fingers, frowning when he spotted grime under his nails. He began to scrape it out as he spoke. “Claiming to be the daughter of a vicar and seamstress is all very romantic, but it cannot possibly be the truth.” “And why not?” she asked. His gaze returned to hers. “In my experience, the daughter of a vicar would behave with more decorum, would know how to make a palatable broth, and would never allow herself to be alone in a room with a man who is not her relative. If there is one thing I know with absolute certainty, it is that you are no relation of mine.” Lucy’s jaw clenched as she fought to control the rage building inside her. Ever so slowly, she pushed herself up to standing and glared down at the earl. “You are correct in thinking I am no ordinary vicar’s daughter. I do not love unconditionally. I show decorum only when I wish to. And I despise those who care for no one but themselves. But I do not tell tales.” He actually chuckled, but it was more of a scoff than a show of humor. “Did you learn those traits from your father?” “Do not speak of my father.” “I would prefer to speak of myself, but you do not seem to share that preference, so perhaps we should speak of your father instead. Where is he, by the by? I would very much like to meet him.” Lucy’s fingers became fists while her conscience became a battleground between all that was good and evil inside her. It was a short battle, with evil making a quick triumph. Ever so slowly, her body still trembling with anger, she lifted her chin. If he was going to accuse her of telling tales, then tell them she would. “Very well, Collins. If you must know, I am your employer. And though you may not remember me, or this house, or your position in it, or the fact that you are perfectly susceptible to coming off a horse, just like any other human, I still expect some kindness and respect from you.” “What on earth are you talking about? What position?” There was not a hint of hesitation in her voice when she answered. “You are a servant in this house.” Author Rachael Anderson A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 9/18/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Who doesn't like a good mystery? I'm sure there are a few, but most people do like mysteries. What about a mystery within a mystery. Faith Blum's new novella is just that. First there's the mystery of who tried to dupe five mail order brides. Then Adelaide finds out someone is claiming she's a runaway bride. What happens to her? Find out in Blessed Assurance.

About the Book

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine

O what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Adelaide lost her parents a year before and now a rich man in town is making unwanted advances toward her. Desperate, she writes to two men and quickly accepts the one from Cheyenne, Wyoming. On the final leg of her journey, in a stagecoach with four other mail order brides, her suspicions are confirmed. Will she ever find a man she can truly trust?

About the Author

Faith Blum started writing at an early age. She started even before she could read! She even thought she

could write better than Dr. Seuss. Now that she has grown up a little more, she knows she will probably never reach the success of Dr. Seuss, but that doesnât stop her from trying.

When she isnât writing, Faith enjoys doing many right-brained activities such as reading, crafting, playing piano, and playing games with her family. One of her dreams is to visit Castle City, Montana, someday to see the ghost town she chose for her characters to live in. She currently lives on a hobby farm with her family in Wisconsin.

There are many ways to connect with Faith online. All of them can be found in one convenient place:http://FaithBlum.com. On her website you can find links to her various social media sites and both of her blogs as well as learn about any events she has coming up.

Excerpt

Adelaide adjusted to the new house quickly. It helped that Mr. Reese put her immediately at ease with his gentle, hospitable manner. After a few days, Adelaide went to his den.

âCome in,â he called. When he saw who it was, he set down his pen and smiled. âMiss Adelaide. What can I do for you?â

âYou are the one who will be approving or not approving of any young man who wants to court us, correct?â

Mr. Reese nodded. âIf that is acceptable to you.â

âIt is.â She sat down across the desk from him. âDo you mind if I give you my list of expectations in a husband?â

Mr. Reese blinked in surprise. âYou have one?â

âYes, I do.â

âDid the man you wrote to fulfill them?â

Adelaide bit her lip. âNo. I didnât have the list then. This is something I started putting together after I arrived in Cheyenne. When I left my hometown, I just needed to get away and wasnât as worried about it. Now that I can have more of a choiceââ Her voice trailed off.

âI understand. Can I see the list?â

Adelaide stood up and handed him a piece of paper with five things written on it. Mr. Reese read it carefully while Adelaide sat back down. âThis doesnât look too hard to fulfill.â

Adelaide shrugged. âI didnât want to make it too hard and these are the most important things to me.â

Mr. Reese nodded. âIâll make sure no one slips past me without first meeting these.â

âThank you.â She stood up. âDonât go out of your way looking for them, though. Iâm not in a hurry.â

âYouâre sure?â

Adelaide nodded. âIâm sure.â

âAll right. Iâll try not to do any matchmaking yet.â

âThank you for everything, Mr. Reese. It takes a special man to allow five young women to live in the same house as him.â

âI always wanted children. This is one way to get them.â

Adelaide smiled. âAnd grandchildren, Iâm sure.â

Mr. Reese chuckled. âProbably.â

Giveaway

Faithâs sister, Naomi, graciously hand painted two beautiful bookmarks for this giveaway. There will be one lucky winner. The bookmarks are made with Adelaide in mind. Arenât they gorgeous?

About the Book

Raised amid the fame and mystique of the Big Top, Charlie Lionheart holds the audience in the palm of his hand. But while his act captivates thousands, it’s away from the spotlight where his true heart lies. Here he humbly cares for his pride of lions as if they were his brothers, a skill of bravery and strength that has prepared him for his most challenging feat yet—freeing an orphaned infant from the dark bondage of a sideshow. A trade so costly, it requires his life in exchange for hers, leaving him tarnished by the price of that choice.

As the circus tents are raised on the outskirts of Roanoke, nurse Ella Beckley arrives to tend to this Gypsy girl. All under the watchful eye of a guardian who not only bears a striking resemblance to the child, but who protects the baby with a love that wraps around Ella’s own tragic past, awakening a hope that goodness may yet reign. When their forbidden friendship deepens, Charlie dares to ask for her heart, bringing her behind the curtain of his secret world to reveal the sacrifice that gave hope to one little girl—boldly showing Ella that while her tattered faith is deeply scarred, the only marks that need be permanent are his own.

About the Author

A Carol Award and two-time Christy Award-finalist, Joanne Bischof writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the reader’s heartstrings. She was honored to receive the SDCWG Novel of the Year Award in 2014 and in 2015 was named Author of the Year by the Mount Hermon Writer’s conference. Her 2014 novella This Quiet Sky broke precedent as the first self-released title to final for the Christy Awards. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her husband and their three children.

Interview with the Author

Review

Joanne Bischof has written an amazingly powerful and inspirational story in her The Lady and the Lionheart. I have heard such great things about this novel, but it was not until I picked up a copy and read it for myself that I understood the magnificent beauty and power of this book. Joanne has written a story that will captivate readers from the first page and enthrall them until the very end. Themes of family, heartache, grief, pain, love, and happiness penetrate this fantastic story. I am at a loss for words to how beautiful and truly inspiring this story is and how it will touch the heart of its readers. I would recommend this book to readers that enjoy Victorian-historical, romance novels.

Giveaway

About the Book

Alexis Murphy is done messing with the wrong kinds of men. She could not be happier planning a personalized Grace Evangeline wedding with her fiancé, Jeffrey, who is so…right for her. Or is he?

Stage star and spokesmodel, Bo Corrigan, could be the ultimate disruption. Alexis—Exi—is caught by his talent and sexual magnetism. Yet under the glow, she senses trouble, not only danger from Bo’s past mistakes, but something inside tearing him apart.

From the moment Bo sees Exi, he knows she’s special, but not only that—she’s real. Unlike the theater scene he’s been immersed in, she sees the man he is and won’t stop until she’s reached inside and brought that person from despair to life … if only they have time. With violent forces against them, can they get beyond the damage to love that heals and restores?

About the Author

Kristen Heitzmann is the bestselling author of contemporary romantic suspense, psychological suspense, and historical novels, including Christy Award finalists Indivisible and The Tender Vine and Christy Award winner Secrets. In 2013, her novel The Breath of Dawn won both a Christy Award and Inspirational Readers Choice Award and was a finalist for a people’s choice award in the Netherlands. She is a fiction track and workshop teacher at American Christian Fiction Writers Conference and keynote speaker for women’s and writers’ conferences.An artist and mountain hiker, Kristen lives in Colorado with her husband, pets, wildlife, and extended family.

Review

Wow! Kristen Heitzmann has done it again. Kristen has written a captivating story full of characters that readers will immediately fall in love and become attached too. Throughout the story, Kristen takes readers on a beautiful and emotional journey of pain and sorrow and life’s tough spots, as well as love and redemption. Not only is Kristen talented at creating a delightful story, she has a way of creating many amazing and diverse characters. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy stories that are emotional and inspiring, as well as those that enjoy contemporary romance.

We are so excited to have Author Donna Hatch with us once again to feature her newest book! For those who haven't yet met Donna, let's get to know her:

Donna Hatch is the author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” and a winner of writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been listening to those voices ever since. She has become a sought-after workshop presenter, and also juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children (seven, counting her husband). A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.

Connect with the Author:

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And now, let's check out her fantastic new book!

Synopsis:Gently bred young ladies don’t run away from home to find employment, but when forced to choose between marrying a brutish oaf or becoming another man’s mistress, Susanna makes an unconventional decision. Following her passion for music, she flees to London with dreams of securing a position as a harpist. Becoming entangled with a handsome violinist who calls himself Kit, but who seems too aristocratic for a working-class musician, may be more problematic than sleeping in the streets.

Kit's attention is captured by Susanna’s breath-taking talent, admirable grace, and winsome smiles…until a lawman exposes the new harpist as a runaway bride and a thief. With peril lurking in the shadows, Susanna’s imminent danger not only forces Kit to choose between his better judgment and his heart, but he must also embrace the life to which he swore he would never return.

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And now ... are you ready to see the wonderful new cover??

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